In-Box Review

introduction

Takom need no introduction the modelling community they have certainly brought a number of new and interesting releases to the market. This release is no different and complements their other recent release of the T3 Transporter Bus review here Live links

This release is a T3 Transporter Truck this is also known as a DoKa which comes from the German word Doppelkabine (double cab). Once again the model appears to be based upon the Volkswagen Transporter although due to licensing issues this brand is not mentioned.

contents

The model is contained in a medium box with a lift off lid the box top has an illustration of the T3 Transporter in a tri-colour Bundeswehr scheme in front of a Leopard 2. On opening the box the modeller will find that all of the components are contained within plastic bags, inside the box there are:

3x Green Sprues

1x Body Shell

1x Clear Sprue

5x Vinyl Tyres

1x Decal Sheet

1x A5 Instruction Book

1x Painting & Marking Guide

review

The moulding is first class and there are a number of very fine details incorporated on the body. The body mouldings feature the fasteners that are used to fix the black-out screens when the vehicle is camouflaged. Sprue A is shared with the Takom Transporter Bus and includes a number of very fine details. The windscreen wipers are very fine and the modeller will need to ensure that they are not damaged when removing them.

Sprue B includes a representation of the flat 4 engine, chassis and the cabin interior, the front suspension bottom arm and engine components are also included on this sprue. Sprue D is mainly for the cargo bed this includes the drop sides, the instructions only show these in the upright position but with a little work it should be possible to have these in the lowered position if so desired. A bonus part is the inclusion of a pallet for the cargo area, it is a simple moulding but will fill out the cargo bed if required.

The windows are perhaps the weakest item as they are quite thick but they are very clear. Takom have produced a common sprue for both kits so there will be a few bits left over. It may be possible to replace some of the clear parts with thin acetate. Another curious addition is the tow hook as this appears to be a civilian type and not the more usual NATO tow pintle.

Please note that one of the sprues includes a few mouldings that can be shaved off to create a logo for the front grill. This option may make the vehicle realistic and accurate.

painting and finishing

There are three finishing options provided on the supplied colour profile:

Bundeswehr, German Army (HEER), Germany

Lebanese Army T3 of the 12th Mechanized Brigade, April 2011

Civil Version

Paint numbers are given for Ammo by Mig, the Bundeswehr is the typical Tri-Colour scheme, the Lebanese in a plain green and the civil version in a medium blue. The civilian version could be painted in any number of colours. With decals or masks then the civil options are endless. Waterslide decals are provided and include a Bundeswehr number plate, Syrian unit badge with number plate and finally the word 'Stichel' for the civil version. There are two decals for the dashboard and a number of warning chevrons for the civil version.

conclusion

This is certainly quite a different release, the interior will require painting before the body shell is closed up and this will require careful masking. This type of vehicle is used by many different users and government departments including the German Post Office (DPD) and the Fire Service. The only feature missing on this model is the cargo frame that is sometimes seen on this variant.

This is a welcome release from Takom and it is a simple model and will suit beginners as well as those more experienced modeller. As the vehicle can be found in across the world then finishing options are pretty limitless.

SUMMARY

Highs: 1/35 Softskin vehicleLows: No cargo frameVerdict: An excellent release for all modern fans

About Brian O'Donoghue (brian638)FROM: ENGLAND - WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

I began modelling way back when Matchbox appeared on the scene with their new range. It began an interest in a hobby that has spanned 40 years.... and has seen the greatest resurgence in recent years. The only breaks in the hobby have been for the usual reasons that most modellers experience; caree...

Comments

Hi Bill,
It is a simple and effective little kit. There a few photographs of this type of vehicle in Bundeswehr service with a hard top on the rear. Once you look at civilian versions the list grows dramatically.
Brian

I was wishing for some USAREUR markings, esp. for the van. I rode many of these things in Germany in the mid-80's. Oddly enough, I can only find one picture of a USAREUR van on the internet too - must not be searching the right terms.

I should've known that Frenchy would immediately ride to the rescue with pix - alas that the markings were all painted out when they civilianized that truck. I'm hoping to make decals with USAREUR markings for my T3's - my first custom decals ever!

wow I like this one.
Makes me wander if any of these ever ended up as some kind of technical in any of the conflict area's in the past decade.
That would make for a great model.
Well I can always turn it into a what if project.
Eric